DENTON (UNTS), Texas - The University of North Texas System Board of Regents voted today to name Scott Ransom, DO, MBA, MPH, as the sole finalist for the position of president of UNT Health Science Center.

The selection of Dr. Ransom completes a nationwide search following the announcement in October from Ronald Blanck, DO, health science center president, that he would step down as president once a successor was approved.

Dr. Ransom is currently executive director of the Program for Healthcare Improvement and Leadership Development and professor of obstetrics and gynecology and health management and policy at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich.

He also serves as the director of women’s health and gynecology at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center.

Prior to joining the University of Michigan, Dr. Ransom was vice president for medical affairs and then senior vice president at the Detroit Medical Center, a large seven-hospital health care system.

He is past president of the American College of Physician Executives, which includes a national membership of more than 11,000 physician leaders.

"Dr. Scott Ransom is an energetic and experienced health care leader with the ability to accelerate the development of the health science center," said Lee Jackson, UNT System chancellor.

"The Board of Regents and Chancellor Jackson received strong candidate recommendations from an 18-person advisory committee made up of students, faculty and staff of the UNT System," said Bobby Ray, chair of the Board of Regents. "And we believe Dr. Ransom understands our mission and will be an effective leader on and off campus for our growing health science center."

"The University of North Texas Health Science Center has a long and distinguished record of developing outstanding physicians, scientists and other health professionals to better improve our nation's health,” Dr. Ransom said. “I look forward to working with faculty, staff, students and the community to create additional innovative educational programs, community initiatives and investigative efforts to support our goal of becoming the nation's best in creating knowledge and developing researchers and effective primary care providers."

Dr. Ransom received a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from the University of Health Sciences in Kansas City; a master of public health from Harvard University; and a master of business administration from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

He completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn, Mich. Dr. Ransom also is a graduate of the U.S. Marine Corps Officer Candidate School.

Today's announcement begins a minimum 21-day interim period required by law before the Board votes to officially appoint Dr. Ransom to the position.